Hartford, CT, October 9, 2018 – Jason Knowles, former Senior Defense Export Analyst at the U.S. Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), has joined the ITAR / EAR Practice at Orchid Advisors, the #1 provider of compliance solutions to the firearms and ammunition industry. At Orchid Advisors, Mr. Knowles will help companies in the firearms and ammunition industry devise and implement strategies for transitioning Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs), Manufacturing License Agreements (MLAs), and Warehouse and Distribution Agreements (WDAs) to the new Export Administration Regulations (EAR) expected to take effect in 2019. He will also prepare new TAAs, MLAs and WDAs; structured with the new regulations in mind.

“We are thrilled to add Jason’s experience and perspective to our team at this time of transition in export controls and we’re flattered by his recognition, as a former government regulator, of our firm’s commitment to excellence,” said Jeff Grody, Executive Director of the Orchid Advisors ITAR / EAR practice. “The upcoming change of export controls from the ITAR to the EAR means that almost all companies in the industry that conduct international activities authorized by TAAs, MLAs, and WDAs need to develop strategies — now — to transition away from ITAR agreements to licenses under the EAR. There is no better qualified person to help clients with that task than Jason.”

Jason was Agreements Officer at the U.S. Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) from 2016 to May 2018. From March 2017 to June 2018, he was the Agreements Officer for all TAAs, MLAs and WDAs submitted to DDTC relating to small arms, ammunition, and personal protective equipment. During his tenure at DDTC, Jason reviewed, adjudicated, and counseled industry and government stakeholders regarding more than 1,500 defense export applications and submissions, with a total value exceeding $42 Billion. His experience spans all U.S. Munitions List controlled exports, however, he specialized in licenses for arms, ammunitions, electronics, and training. Jason is a U.S. Air Force retired officer who holds a Top Secret/SCI eligible security clearance.

“I am honored to join such a great team at Orchid Advisors and am excited to continue my service within the US export compliance specialty with such an experienced and professional team,” said Jason Knowles, formerly of DDTC. “I am ready and eager to continue assisting firearms and related businesses understand, strategize, and navigate the related ITAR, Defense Export Agreements and Export Control Reform processes so they realize economic success and stay compliant with government requirements that help protect and support our global security.”